Point specific junctional tourniquet

ABSTRACT

A point specific junctional tourniquet is provided having a rotational variable height adjustable point specific compression device including an upper housing, a lower housing rotationally nested within the upper housing and a base with an integral belt/strap guide and a belt/strap having a medical clasp, wherein for height adjustment of said upper housing and pressure form, the user grips the upper housing and the lo Aver housing and rotationally twists the two gripped housings causing the height to increase and after the optimum height is reached, depending upon the injury or wound, the assembled rotational variable height adjustable point specific compression device is secured in place and pressure is applied using the belt/strap, held in place within the belt/strap guide. The point specific junctional tourniquet is provided with a smartphone application for use in emergency situation events as required.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a point specific junctional tourniquet fordealing with wounds involving uncontrolled hemorrhaging from the iliac,axillary and other major arteries of the body. More particularly, avariable height adjustable point specific tourniquet compression deviceis provided, along with a belt having a medical clasp, and a smartphoneapplication (app) to instruct and guide the user in using the tourniquetin an emergency situation event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various tourniquet devices that use a wide variety of clamping and/orpneumatic means to apply pressure to various limbs on the body have beenattempted. However, prior attempts at occluding hemorrhaging from thesemajor blood vessels of the body have not been completely successful,especially if attempted on gross battle-field wounds such as legamputations due to anti-personnel mines or high velocity bulletpercussion wounds to the lower extremities and other injuries associatedwith improvised explosive device (IED) detonations and the like.

This is an article where the USAMRMC is seeking information regardingnovel junctional tourniquets,

Junctional Tourniquets for the Department of Defense Research, on CombatCasualty Care

The Combat Casualty Care Research Program of the Medical Research andMateriel Command (USAMRMC) provides integrated capabilities forfar-forward medical care to reduce the mortality and morbidityassociated with major battlefield wounds and injuries. The primary focusis to make possible the highest degree of medical care available in thepre-ambulance and pre-evacuation environment prior to reaching a higherlevel of care. The USAMRMC is seeking information regarding noveljunctional tourniquets, both FDA approved and prototype devices, forhemorrhage control of junctional injuries and quadrant injuries on thebattlefield including iliac and axillary.

Interested firms should submit a 1 to 3-page white paper (withadditional sheets for diagrams as necessary) describing such devices andthe concept of use. Information will be reviewed pursuant toconsideration for the development of a request for devices to be tested.As such, any descriptions of clinical use or test and evaluation studieswill be of use. For the purposes of this request for information, weanticipate that devices:

Will be able to occlude arterial bleeding from femoral, iliac,subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries at compressible sites wherestandard tourniquets cannot be applied;

-   -   1. Can be point specifically (by injury type) applied and        height/size adjusted easily in a tactical environment;    -   2. Must not slip during tightening or following application on a        victim;    -   3. Be capable of easy release and reapplication;    -   4. Be of light weight, simple, and durable design;    -   5. Have long shelf life, low manufacturing/selling cost and of        low volume when cubed into a kit pack.

While developing a Junctional Tourniquet Kit and protocol, for rural andurban law enforcement personnel, it was discovered that no practicaltorso tourniquets were available. To rectify the situation theJunctional Tourniquet Kit was devised, and created, that addresses, andsatisfies, all of USAMRMC's “junctional tourniquet” requirements plusbeing a great advancement in first aide care for military as well as thecivilian medical caregivers.

Numerous innovations for tourniquets have been provided in the prior artthat art described as follows. Even though these innovations may besuitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address,they differ from the present Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet ashereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior artpatents most relevant to the design at hand, as well as a descriptionoutlining the difference between the features of the present PointSpecific Junctional Tourniquet and those of the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No 6,884,254 of Shan L. Brooks describes a tourniquet systemhaving a strap, a clamp for selectively engaging the strap in which oncethe clamp engages the strap, the clamp permits the strap to passsubstantially freely in a direction away from the clamp andsubstantially prevents the strap from passing in a direction towards theclamp and securing structure attached to the strap for securing thestrap.

This patent describes a tourniquet system having a strap that may beuseful around the legs and aims but would be of no use on the majorarteries of the torso.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,834,517 of Croushorn et al. describes a portablepneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet for occlusion of the abdominaldescending aorta to restrict blood supply to a non-compressible arterialhemorrhage in the abdominal region. The tourniquet comprising anadjustable waist strap for securing around an abdomen; a directed airbladder mounted to the waist strap having a generally “V” shapedconstruction operable between a deflated condition wherein the directedair bladder is collapsed, and an inflated condition wherein the directedair bladder is expanded for exerting pressure against the abdomen; and,an air source connected to the directed air bladder for operating thedirected air bladder between the deflated condition and the inflatedcondition. This device is not suited for application on the upper torsoor subclavian area.

This patent describes a portable pneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquetfor occlusion of the abdominal descending aorta with arterial hemorrhagein the abdominal region. This patent does not supply a kit with itemsthat will be useful in a variety of different areas of the body. Withintins device also exists the possibility of a fatal flaw, in that thisdevice is made from rubber or the like. As rubber and some similarmaterials age, they can become brittle and susceptible to cracking,leaking and breaking.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,280 of Croushorn et al. describes a portablepneumatic abdominal aortic tourniquet for occlusion of the abdominaldescending aorta to restrict blood supply to a non-compressible arterialhemorrhage in or below the inguinal region is presented. The tourniquetincludes an adjustable waist strap for securing it around the abdomen ofa patient and a windlass rod connected to the waist strap to selectivelytighten the strap as needed to tightly secure it to patient. A directedair bladder is mounted to the waist strap having a generally “V” shapedconstruction and is expanded for exerting directed pressure against theabdomen. Upon inflation of the air bladder and adjustment of thewindlass, occlusion or restriction of blood flow through the abdominaldescending aorta will occur which will achieve cessation of hemorrhagein or below the inguinal area or achieve other therapeutic effects likeelevated blood pressure to enhance CPR or blood flow control to thelower extremities.

This patent still does not supply a kit with items that will be usefulin a variety of different areas of the body to restrict blood flow.

US pending Patent Application Publication No. 20070005107 of John Janotadescribes a military emergency tourniquet is a device for rapidly andeasily reducing or stopping blood flow to a limb. The tourniquetutilizes a closed loop system and includes a twistable strap, a baseincluding two opposing entry apertures and an exit aperture, a windlassand at least one receiving loop. The twistable strap is slidablypositioned through the opposing entry apertures and the exit aperturethereby forming a closed loop. The windlass is positioned outside of thedosed loop and is affixed to one end of the strap. The windlass includesan aperture capable of sliding the opposing end of the strap therethrough. The receiving loop receives an end of the windlass and isaffixed to the base. This device would require a substantial length oflimb to be protruding from torso to function. Therefore, it would be ofno use in cases of complete limb amputations.

This patent describes a military emergency tourniquet which is a devicefor rapidly and easily reducing or stopping blood flow to a limb. Thetourniquet utilizes a closed loop system and includes a twistable strapbut does not supply a variable height adjustable compression devicesuitable for application on various parts of the body including thetorso. Thus, as mentioned, a disadvantage of this device would be thatit would be of no use in cases involving complete amputations.

US pending Patent Application Publication No. 20130267994AL of Tyler L.Crowder describes an occlusion attachment device for coupling with atourniquet includes a projection that can be attached using a platformto a portion of a tourniquet in an emergency situation, therebyproviding a modified tourniquet that includes the projection. Clip-on,slide-on, and clamping structures associated with the platform aredescribed.

This patent describes an occlusion attachment device for coupling with atourniquet suitable for an arm or a leg but does not supply a PointSpecific Junctional Tourniquet suitable for application on various partsof the body including the torso.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,888,807 of Mark Esposito describes a tourniquet forrestricting a flow of blood in a body part is presented. In accordancewith embodiments of the present invention, the tourniquet comprises afirst elongated member, and a second elongated member in slidableengagement with the first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquetincludes a tensioning mechanism connected to the second elongatedmember, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part uponapplying a tensile force to the second elongated member using thetensioning mechanism. The tourniquet is suited for emergency use and maybe applied by using only one hand. Thus, the tourniquet may be applied,manipulated and tightened by the wearer, even if the wearer is limitedto the use of a single hand.

This patent describes a tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in aleg or arm but does not does not supply a tourniquet with variableheight compression devices useful in a variety of different areas of thebody, but would be of no use in complete dismemberments.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,926,536 of Lance David Hopman et al describes ajunctional and truncal tourniquet and a hip-girdling pelvic sling devicefor maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hipsand pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has beenfractured and for securing a pressure applying device to a person with apreferred amount of tension so that blood vessel-occluding pressure canbe applied. Areas of mating types of fastener material such as matinghook-beating fastener material and loop pile fastener material arearranged on the device to enable a strap to be secured at variouseffective lengths to provide a wide range of adjustability. The devicemay include inflatable bladders, and may be wrapped around a patient'storso to occlude blood vessels proximal to an injury on a limb. Abladder may be expandable in distinct tiers and may carry a separate andremovable pressure-concentrating fitting. An auxiliary strap may beincluded and may be used to keep the junctional and truncal tourniquetin place on a patient's torso. This device also requires an existinglimb be present to function.

This patent describes a junctional and truncal tourniquet and ahip-girdling pelvic sling device'for maintaining a desired amount oftension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support andstabilize a pelvis that has been fractured but does not supply avariable height adjustable compression device tourniquet with featuresthat will be useful in variety of different areas of the body to rapidlyrestrict blood flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the PointSpecific Junctional Tourniquet in detail it is to be understood that itis not limited in its application to the details of construction and tothe arrangement of the components set forth in the following descriptionor illustrated in the drawings. The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquetis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is advantageous in that itincludes a variable height adjustable point specific tourniquetcompression device within small multipurpose kit having a relatedsmartphone application (app) that can be used by any first responders,and the military, as well as civilian medical caregivers.

Another advantage of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is thatthe variable height adjustable point specific tourniquet compressiondevice can be used with varying compression surface configurations, atvarious locations on the torso as well as on the arms and legs of avictim.

Another advantage is to create separate parts of the Point SpecificJunctional Tourniquet for use on specific locations prone to injury onthe body of a victim.

Another advantage is to provide a Point Specific Junctional Tourniquetwith a belt including a medical clasp that can be used in varyinglengths and varying compression pressures.

Another advantage of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is havingthe smartphone app which will dial 9-1-1 and then guide the user inproper tourniquet operation in an emergency situation event.

Another advantage of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is thetourniquet belt can have a variety of compression devices including beltattachable, shock cord loops, and height adjustable variable pointspecific compression point devices.

And still another advantage of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquetis an alternate embodiment of the tourniquet will include a rotationalsupport member with inclination stops for variable height adjustment ofthe compression device.

A further advantage Specific Junctional Tourniquet of the tourniquetcompression devices be easily and readily attachable to the compressionbelt, and that belt can be used in various other applications like apersonal restraining belt, and a drag strap to quickly move the woundedout of harm's way.

These together with other objects of the Point Specific JunctionalTourniquet, along with the various features of novelty, whichcharacterize the kit, are pointed out with particularity in the claimsannexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a betterunderstanding of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet, its operatingadvantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, referenceshould be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich illustrate the preferred the embodiments.

The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet consist of a tourniquetcompression cam, tourniquet belt, a variable height adjustable pointspecific tourniquet compression device which readily couples with atourniquet belt, wherein the belt has a medical clasp for applyingpressure and holding that pressure directly on the specific point ofinjury.

Though the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet has been designed as“point specific” it can also be used to apply pressure over an occlusivedressing applied to the shoulder or at the hip in case of full arm andleg amputations. When used to apply pressure to occlusive dressings, asecond tourniquet is required since the first tourniquet applied wouldbe applying pressure to the appropriate point on an artery. Theapplication of a secondary device does not present a logistical problemsince the victim and care givers will each have their own kits and allkits contents are interchangeable. This Point Specific JunctionalTourniquet can also be used to secure an occlusive dressing virtuallyanywhere on the torso as its length allows it to be wrapped completelyamend the torso. The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet can also beused to restrain combative casualties as is sometimes necessary invictims with severe brain injuries. This feature is also highlydesirable when non-traditional vehicles are used for medicalevacuations. When used as a drag/rescue strap the caregivers benefit bybeing able to walk/run more upright than if they were dragging thevictim by the handles on the victim's plate carrier or by the bootssince both means require the care giver to bend at the knees and hips.

The tourniquet cam can apply up to 4″ of compression, and more ifaugmented. The kit allows for operator improvisations to facilitate offlabel applications where deemed necessary to facilitate situationspecifics. The tourniquet cam is designed so that it can be used for astraight flat pull making it ideal for use as a litter strap. It can beeasily coupled to additional tourniquets if the need should arise.

This Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet can be deployed and in placein less than 30+/-− seconds, and readjusted in less. It can be appliedwithout rolling the victim around to apply it. One end is simply pushedhalfway under the victim by the caregiver(s) and then pulled out theopposite side to the desired position. The tourniquet's ends are joinedat the cam coupling. The variable height adjustable point specifictourniquet compression device is positioned over arteries, atcompressible sites, and the belt coupled then pulled to the properpressure (depth) and held down in place by the medical clasp. Multipledevices can be stacked over each other without conflict as would be thecase in double amputations of arms and legs. There is nothing protrudingfrom the tourniquet that can cause it to be dislodged or disrupted.

The Point Specific Junctional. Tourniquet can accommodate torsodiameters as small as 28 inches and as large as 60 inches.

The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is light in weight and willweigh in at approximately 12 to 32 ounces. It will be economical andavailable at a price far lower than the ones currently being sold. It islow cube and will fit in a pack with inside dimensions of 5″ Depth×6″Width×9″ Height and will be available with a container meeting USAMRMCspecifications.

The heart of the Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet is the variableheight adjustable point specific tourniquet compression device assembly.The tourniquet belt is coupled to the compression device by placing thebelt within a strap guide on the bottom of the compression device. It isexpected that this Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet component has anindefinite shelf life. It can be expected that military personnel willcontinue to encounter land mines and IED's that have been randomlyscattered in unstable countries as well and that pose a definite threatto their well-being.

Since the detonation of mines, and IEDs, frequently involve multiplecasualties and amputations it is recommended that all militarypersonnel, in theaters of operation, have a Point Specific JunctionalTourniquet Kit in addition to their IFAK. Forward combat medicalpersonnel will then have their own kit, as well as the casualty's kit,resulting in the medical corpsman equipped to deal with double extremityamputations.

First responders and civilian law enforcement would also benefit byhaving their officers and personnel carry Point Specific JunctionalTourniquet for situations like the Boston Marathon (explosion) attacks,mass shootings and mass transit, train, aircraft and vessel crashes.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the PointSpecific Junctional Tourniquet, to include variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse, are deemed readily apparent and, obvious to one skilled in the art,and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawingsand described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by thepresent design. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrativeonly of the principles of the Junctional Tourniquet. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the design to the exactconstruction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the Point SpecificJunctional Tourniquet and together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of this application.

FIG. 1 a front view of the major components of the Point SpecificJunctional Tourniquet.

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of the tourniquet compression cam and beltpressing down on the pressure coupler plate and the horizontal utilitydevice compressing a typical artery.

FIG. 3 depicts all of the components of the Point Specific junctionalTourniquet assembled into a kit.

FIG. 4 depicts a silhouette of a person with the tourniquet belt wrappedaround indicating some the locations that the pressure may be applied onthe major arteries on one side of the body.

FIG. 5 depicts a silhouette of a person with the tourniquet belt wrappedaround the lower waist of the person.

FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged silhouette of the shoulder area with thetourniquet belt going over the axillary pressure device.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective illustration of the tourniquet belt overthe axillary pressure device putting pressure on an artery.

FIG. 8 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt with hook sections oneither side and a loop section down the center.

FIG. 9 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt with loop sections onboth sides and hook section down the center.

FIG. 10 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt with hook and loopsegments on an angle.

FIG. 11 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt with plurality ofgrommets on the full length.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of atourniquet belt with a plurality of grommets on the full length and aspecialized belt buckle.

FIG. 13 depicts a silhouette of the lower portion of a person with thetourniquet compression cam and tourniquet belt putting pressure on theright iliac artery.

FIG. 14 depicts silhouette of a person with the tourniquet belt beingused as a drag strap under the arms.

FIG. 15 depicts silhouette of a person with the tourniquet belt beingused as a drag strap around the ankles.

FIG. 16 depicts a spherical ball compression device mounted on atourniquet belt having a medical clasp.

FIG. 17 depicts a spherical ball compression device mounted on atourniquet belt having a medical clasp illustrating the belt endthreaded through the medical clasp.

FIG. 18 depicts a small frame handle compression device mounted on atourniquet belt.

FIG. 19 depicts variable point specific compression device havinginclination stops and a belt strap guide on the base.

FIG. 20 depicts shock cord tourniquet assembly having an adjustablecompression loop knot.

FIG. 21 depicts an assembled rotational variable height adjustable pointspecific compression device.

FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view of a disassembled rotational variableheight adjustable point specific compression device, illustrating theinclination stops and the inclination stop mating surfaces.

FIG. 23 depicts an exploded view of a disassembled alternate embodimentof the rotational variable height adjustable point specific compressiondevice, illustrating inclination stops located on the housing surface.

FIG. 24 depicts a smartphone having a normal matrix of smartphoneapplications icon buttons on its screen, one of which is the FirstForward smartphone app icon button.

FIG. 25 depicts the home screen of the First Forward emergencytourniquet app.

FIG. 26 depicts the tourniquet operations screen of the First Forwardemergency tourniquet app.

FIG. 27 depicts the tourniquet training video screen of the FirstForward emergency tourniquet app.

The Junctional Tourniquet Kit consist of a tourniquet compression cam,tourniquet belt, a pressure coupler plate, a horizontal utility device,a contoured utility device, an iliac pressure device, an axillarypressure device, and a pair of utility support straps. The junctionalTourniquet Kit will all be housed within a fabric pouch with a lanyardto thread the separate parts on keeping them together but easilyaccessible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the JunctionalTourniquet. Kit 10 identified by like reference numerals, there is seenin FIG. 1 a front view of some of the components of the JunctionalTourniquet Kit 10 and the actions of the tourniquet compression cam 12along with the associated parts of the kit. The tourniquet compressioncam 112 can be used as a compression device to restrict the flow ofblood through an artery or it can be used as a means to tighten thetourniquet belt 14A into a desired position.

The tourniquet compression cam 12 is shown with a short section of thetourniquet belt 14A attached around the upper section of the cam lever16 by a hook-loop attachment means 18. A long section of the tourniquetbelt 14B is attached around the left side of the. tourniquet compressioncam 12 by a second hook-loop attachment means 18 to be extended aroundthe person and pulled tight to the right side of the tourniquetcompression cam 12 and secured to it by a third hook-loop attachmentmeans 18. The short section of the tourniquet belt 14A is then pulled,rotating the upper section of the cam lever arm 16 and extending thelower section of the cam lever 16 downward. The Short section of thetourniquet belt 14A is then secured to the long section of thetourniquet belt 1413 by the fourth book-loop attachment means 18. Thebelts 14A and 148 will have a hook-loop attachment means 18 on bothsides.

The pressure coupler plate 20 is shown below the tourniquet compressioncam 12 to be attached to the horizontal utility point specific pressuredevice 22, or the contoured utility point specific pressure device 24,or the iliac point specific pressure device 26 when a specifictourniquet application is needed.

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of the tourniquet compression cam 12 andtourniquet belt pressing down on the pressure coupler plate 20 and thehorizontal utility device compressing a typical artery.

FIG. 3 depicts all of the components of the Junctional Tourniquet Kit 10including the tourniquet compression cam 12 having a cam lever 16, thetourniquet belt 14A and 14B, the axillary device 28 with a flat base 30,a lanyard orifice 32, and pinpoint angled dowel 34 for centralizedpressure positioning. Additional parts to the kit include the iliacpressure device 26 having a flat base 36, a lanyard orifice 38 and anelongated pressure section 40. A horizontal utility device 22 with alanyard orifice 42 has two key elements 44 that locate within orifices46 in the alignment track 48 on the pressure coupler plate 20. Thepressure coupler plate 20 has a central lanyard orifice 50. Thecontoured utility device 52 with the two key elements 54 that locatewithin orifices 46 in the alignment track 48 on the pressure couplerplate 20 and a lanyard orifice 56. The contoured utility device 52 hasbeen designed to fit into the variety of contours in the hip area. A setof utility support or restraint straps 58 are included within the kit.The complete Junctional Tourniquet Kit 10 will fit into the fabric kitbag 60 having the hook-loop closure sections 62 and the attached lanyard64. This specific point junctional tourniquet kit is expandable in thatcomponents of one can be added to another to address numerous uniqueissues when encountered in the field.

FIG. 4 depicts a silhouette of a person 70 with the tourniquet belt 14Bwrapped around indicating some the pressure locations 72, 74 and 76 thatthe pressure may be applied on the major arteries 78 on one side of thebody. The tourniquet belt strap could also be used to fashion/fabricatean improvised splint, and maybe even a soft cast as a result of theconfiguration of the hook and loop sewn onto the strap.

FIG. 5 depicts a silhouette of a person 70 with the tourniquet belt 14Awrapped around the lower waist of the person indicating a pressurelocation 80 on one side of the body. This tourniquet belt 14A could alsobe used to stabilize flailed chests, flailed hips and or flailedshoulders if necessary.

FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged silhouette of the shoulder area of a person70 with the tourniquet belt 14B having a strip of hook material, and astrip of loop material together going over the axillary pressure device28 with the retainer edge 82 keeping the tourniquet belt 14B inposition. With the strips of hook material and loop material on bothsides of the tourniquet belt 14B the belt can be turned over to secureit together into position. In this application the tourniquetcompression cam 12 could be used as a means to tighten the tourniquetbelt 14B into the desired location.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective illustration of the tourniquet belt 14Bover the axillar pressure device 28 with the angled dowel 34 puttingdirect pressure on a major artery 78 with the tourniquet belt 14B heldin position by the means of the retainer edge 82.

FIG. 8 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt 14C with hook sectionson the outside and loop section down the center.

FIG. 9 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt 14D with loop sectionson the outside and hook sections down the center.

FIG. 10 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt 14E with hook and loopsegments on an angle.

FIG. 11 depicts a segment of the tourniquet belt 14F with plurality ofgrommets 88 on the length.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of atourniquet belt 14F with a plurality of grommets 88 on the full lengthand a specialized belt buckle 90.

FIG. 13 depicts a silhouette of the lower portion of a person 70 withthe tourniquet compression cam 12 and tourniquet belt 14B puttingpressure on the major artery 78.

FIG. 14 depicts silhouette of a person 70 with the tourniquet belt 14Bbeing used as a drag strap under the arms.

FIG. 15 depicts silhouette person 70 with the tourniquet belt 14B beingused as a drag strap around the ankles.

FIG. 16 depicts a tourniquet 100 having a spherical ball compressiondevice 102 mounted on a tourniquet belt 104 having a medical clasp 106.The spherical ball compression device .102 includes a hollow channel forthreading the belt 104 through it, and in this way differing compressiondevices, depending upon application and victim wound or injury type, canbe mounted to the belt 104 and used. After mourning the spherical ballcompression device 102 to belt 104 the medical clasp 106 is used tosecure and apply pressure to the wound of the victim.

FIG. 17 depicts a tourniquet 100 having a spherical ball compressiondevice 102 mounted on a tourniquet belt 104 having a medical clasp 106,and illustrating the belt end threaded through the medical clasp 106.The medical clasp 106 mechanism acts to apply pressure and keep pressureon the wound in a secure manner.

FIG. 18 depicts a tourniquet 110 including a small frame handlecompression device 112 mounted on a tourniquet belt 104. The small framehandle compression device 112 includes a hollow channel for threadingthe belt 104 through it, and in this way differing compression devices,depending upon application and victim wound or injury type, can bemounted to the belt 104 and used. This small frame handle compressiondevice can be applied to smaller adult victims and children.

FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of a tourniquet component two-piecepoint specific compression device 120 having a pressure form 124 on topof a housing 122 and belt/strap engaging spikes 125 along the bottom ofthe housing 122. Located below the housing 122 is a base 126 having anintegral belt/strap guide 128. The pressure form 124 can take manyshapes and sizes depending on the injury requirement, and it isanticipated that numerous housings 122 having varying pressure forms 124will be carried in a complete kit of injury/emergency situation eventadaptable tourniquets and using the same base 126 will be applied usinga strap/belt held in place by the belt/strap guide 128. Additionally,the inclination stops 125 may be used to secure the belt/strap when thepressure form 124 and base 126 is not used with the housing 122 to applypressure to a wound.

FIG. 20 depicts shock cord tourniquet assembly 130 having an adjustablecompression loop knot 136 tied in to a shock cord loop 132 and heldtogether by one or more hog rings 134. This small, simple to use andinexpensive to own type of shock cord tourniquet assembly 130 can becarried in a tourniquet kit and rapidly deployed in an emergency event.The shock cord loop 132 is wrapped around the injury area or injuredlimb and tightened down using the adjustable compression loop knot 136to apply and hold pressure on the wound. The result of the shock cordtourniquet assembly 130 design makes it easy to carry, easy to use,quick to deploy and inexpensive to own.

FIG. 21 depicts an assembled rotational variable height adjustable pointspecific compression device 140. This compression device 140 has avariable pressure form 143 on top of the housing 142. The base 146 hasgripping handles 144 and an integral belt/strap guide 148. For heightadjustment of the housing 142 and pressure form 143, the user grips thehousing 142 and the base gripping handles 144 and twists the housing 142causing the height of the housing to increase in click stops (seeinterior mechanism in FIG. 22). After the optimum height is reached,depending upon the injury or wound, the assembled rotational variableheight adjustable point specific compression device 140 is secured inplace and pressure is applied using the belt/strap held in place withinthe belt/strap guide 148.

FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view of a disassembled rotational variableheight adjustable point specific compression device 140, illustratingthe inclination stops 150 and the inclination stop mating surfaces 154that make height adjustment possible. On the interior of the heightadjustment mechanism upper housing 142 there is shown a center post 166and a spiral configured set of inclination stops 150. The lower housingwith gripping handles 144 has a mating center post 164 and inclinationmating stops surfaces 154 also in a spiral configuration, which mateswith inclination stops 150. The base 146 includes a center hole 162 withtabs located in the center of an index plate 158 which is fitted to witha screw collar 156. The integral belt/strap guide 148 in on the lowersurface of the base 146 and the screw access plug 160 fits into thecenter hole 162 when the unit is assembled. Spring 152 fits ever centerpost 164 and keeps the assembled unit 140 together as it click stopsthrough the height adjustment when the inclination stops 150 and theinclination mating surface 154 is engaged with the assembled unit 140.After the optimum height is reached, depending upon the injury or wound,the assembled rotational variable height adjustable point specificcompression device 140 is secured in place and pressure is applied usingthe belts rap held in place within the belt/strap guide 148.

FIG. 23 depicts an exploded view of a disassembled alternate embodimentof the rotational variable height adjustable point specific compressiondevice 170, illustrating inclination stop slots 174 located on theexterior of the housing 172 surface. A lower housing 176 has a threadedorifice 180 to accept a set screw 178. The base 182 has handles and abelt/strap guide as in previous embodiments. When assembled, therotational variable height adjustable point specific compression device170 upper housing 172 is placed over the lower housing 176 and securedusing a screw access plug 184 and spring 186 set on a center post. Setscrew 178 is then threaded into threaded orifice 180. When in use, theheight is adjusted by rotationally running through the inclination stopslots 174 then securing the optimal height with set screw 176. After theoptimum height is reached, depending, upon the injury or wound, theassembled rotational variable height adjustable point specificcompression device 170 is secured in place and pressure is applied usingthe belt/strap held in place within the belt/strap guide.

FIG. 24 depicts a smartphone 200 having a normal matrix of smartphoneapplications icon buttons on its touch screen, one of which is the FirstForward Emergency Tourniquet smartphone app icon button 202. Whenrequired, the user touches the First Forward app icon button 202 andthis opens the home screen for the First Forward Emergency Tourniquetsmartphone app.

FIG. 25 depicts a smartphone 200 having the open home screen of theFirst Forward Emergency Tourniquet app. The home screen includes threeor more buttons including a DIAL 911/FIND button 204, a TOURNIQUETOPERATION button 206 and a TRAINING VIDEO button 208. When the DIAL911/FIND button 204 is touched the smartphone dials 9-1-1 and gives thedispatcher the GPS location of the smartphone. If a cell tower is notavailable, then when the 911/FIND button 204 is touched a satellitephone GPS locator is activated, and the GPS coordinates are transmittedto the 911 dispatcher. When the TOURNIQUET OPERATION button 206 istouched then the smartphone 200 screen goes to the Tourniquet Operationscreen (see FIG. 26). When the TRAINING VIDEO button 208 is touched thenthe smartphone 200 screen goes to the Training Video screen (see FIG.27).

FIG. 26 depicts the tourniquet operations screen 216 of the FirstForward Emergency Tourniquet app 202 on a smartphone 200 screen. Whenactivated by touching, the tourniquet operation button 206 displays atourniquet operation screen 216 which provides step by step instructionsand guide to using the various tourniquets provided by First Forward.

FIG. 27 depicts the tourniquet training video screen 218 of the FirstForward

Emergency Tourniquet app 202 on a smartphone 200 screen. When activatedby touching, the tourniquet training video button 208 displays atourniquet training video screen 218 which provides training videos, andaudio step by step instructions and a guide to using the varioustourniquets provided by First Forward.

The Point Specific Junctional Tourniquet 10 shown in the drawings anddescribed in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements ofparticular construction and configuration for illustrating preferredembodiments of structure and method of operation of the present design.It is to be understood, however, that elements of different constructionand configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than thoseillustrated and described may be employed for providing a Point SpecificJunctional Tourniquet 10 in accordance with the spirit of thisapplication, and such changes, alternations and modifications as wouldoccur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scopeof this application as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature arid essence of the technical disclosureof the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the PointSpecific Junctional Tourniquet of the application, which is measured bythe claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of thedesign in any way.

I claim:
 1. A point specific junctional tourniquet comprising: (a) arotational variable height adjustable point specific compression deviceincluding an upper housing having a variable pressure form located onthe top portion of said upper housing; and (b) a lower housing havinggripping handles capable of being rotationally nested within said upperhousing; (c) a base rotationally attachable to said lower housing and anintegral belt/strap guide; and (c) a belt/strap having a .medical claspfor securing said belt/strap in varying lengths to apply Varyingpressure; wherein for height adjustment of said upper housing andpressure form, the user grips the upper housing and the lower housing bythe base gripping handles and rotationally twists the two grippedhousings causing the height of the housing to increase in click stops;and further wherein after the optimum height is reached, depending uponthe injury or wound, the assembled rotational variable height adjustablepoint specific compression device is secured in place and pressure isapplied using the belt/strap held in place within the belt/strap guide.2. The point specific junctional tourniquet according to claim 1,further including a rotational variable height adjustable point specificcompression device including an upper housing having inclination stopslocated on a spiraling interior surface wall.
 3. The point specificjunctional tourniquet according to claim 2, wherein said lower housinghaving gripping handles further includes a spiraling mating inclinationstops surface capable of mating with said upper housing inclinationstops.
 4. The point specific junctional tourniquet according to claim 3,wherein said lower housing has a center post and is nested into saidupper housing having a center post and a spring is placed upon saidlower housing and upper housing center post to allow expansion andheight adjustment of said rotational variable height adjustable pointsspecific compression device.
 5. The point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 4, wherein said upper housing center post is insertedinto said lower housing center post and said upper and lower housingsare secured using a screw and screw access plug.
 6. The point specificjunctional tourniquet according to claim 1, wherein said upper housinghaving a variable pressure form located on the top portion of said upperhousing further includes belt/strap engaging spikes located along thebottom of the housing and is capable of being used with or without alower housing or base.
 7. The point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 1, wherein said rotational variable height adjustablepoint specific compression device includes: (a) inclination stop slotslocated on the exterior of the upper housing surface; (b) a set screwand lower housing having a threaded orifice to accept a set screw; and(c) a one-piece lower housing and base having integral gripping handlesand an integral belt/strap guide; wherein when assembled the rotationalvariable height adjustable point specific compression device upperhousing is placed over the lower housing and secured using a screwaccess plug and spring set on a center post; further wherein said setscrew is then threaded into threaded orifice, and when in use, theheight is adjusted by rotationally running through the inclination stopslots, then securing the optimal height with set screw and after theoptimum height is reached, depending upon the injury or wound, theassembled rotational variable height adjustable point specificcompression device is secured in place and pressure is applied using thebelt/strap held in place within the belt/strap guide.
 8. The pointspecific junctional tourniquet according to claim 7, wherein said upperhousing includes a center post and said lower housing is nested intosaid upper housing and tensioned using a spring, and said upper andlower housings are secured using a screw access plug.
 9. A pointspecific junctional tourniquet comprising a shock cord loop heldtogether by one or more hog rings and including an adjustablecompression shock cord loop knot; wherein the shock cord loop is wrappedaround the injury area or injured limb and tightened down using theadjustable compression loop knot to apply and hold pressure on thewound.
 10. The point specific junctional tourniquet according to claim1, wherein said assembled rotational variable height adjustable pointspecific compression device is provided with a smartphone applicationhaving a menu system including: (a) a dial 9-1-1/find button; (b) atourniquet operation instructions button; and (c) a tourniquet trainingvideo button; wherein when in an emergency situation event a user canpush die 9-1-1 button to alert authorities and push the tourniquetoperation instructions button to follow a step by step set ofinstructions and guide to using the various tourniquets provided.
 11. Amethod for making a point specific junctional tourniquet comprising thesteps of: (a) providing a rotational variable height adjustable pointspecific compression device including an upper housing having a variablepressure form located on the top portion of said upper housing; and (b)providing a lower housing having gripping handles capable of beingrotationally nested within said upper housing; (c) providing a baserotationally attachable to said lower housing and au integral belt/strapguide; and (c) providing a belt/strap having a medical clasp forsecuring said belt/strap in varying lengths to apply varying pressure;wherein for height adjustment of said upper housing and pressure form,the user grips the upper housing and the lower housing by the basegripping handles and rotationally twists the two gripped housingscausing the height of the housing to increase in click stops; andfurther wherein after the optimum height is reached, depending upon theinjury or wound, the assembled rotational variable height adjustablepoint specific compression device is secured in place and pressure isapplied using the belt/strap held in place within the belt/strap guide.12. The method of making a point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 11, further including a rotational variable heightadjustable point specific compression device including an upper housinghaving inclination stops located on a spiraling interior surface wall.13. The method of making a point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 13, wherein said lower housing having grippinghandles further includes a spiraling mating inclination stops surfacecapable of mating with said upper housing inclination stops.
 14. Themethod of making a point specific junctional tourniquet according toclaim 13, wherein said lower housing has a center post and is nestedinto said upper housing having a center post and a spring is placed uponsaid lower housing and upper housing center post to allow expansion andheight adjustment of said rotational variable height adjustable pointspecific compression device.
 15. The method of making a point specificjunctional tourniquet according to claim 14, wherein said upper housingcenter post is inserted into said loser housing center post and saidupper and lower housings are secured using a screw and screw accessplug.
 16. The method of making a point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 11, wherein said upper housing having a variablepressure form located on the top portion of said upper housing furtherincludes belt/strap engaging spikes located along the bottom of thehousing and is capable of being used with or without a lower housing orbase.
 17. The method of making a point specific junctional tourniquetaccording to claim 11, wherein making said rotational variable heightadjustable point specific compression device further includes the stepsof: (a) providing inclination stop slots located on the exterior of theupper housing surface; (b) providing a set screw and lower housinghaving a threaded orifice to accept a set screw; and (c) providing aone-piece lower housing and base having integral gripping handles and anintegral belt strap guide; wherein when assembled the rotationalvariable height adjustable point specific compression device upperhousing is placed over the lower housing and secured using a screwaccess plug and spring set on a center post; further wherein said setscrew is then threaded into threaded orifice, and when in use, theheight is adjusted by rotationally running through the inclination stopslots, then securing the optimal height with set screw and after theoptimum height is reached, depending upon the injury or wound, theassembled rotational variable height adjustable point specificcompression device is secured in place and pressure is applied using thebelt/strap held in place within the belt/strap guide.
 18. The method ofmaking a point specific junctional tourniquet according to claim 17,wherein said upper housing includes a center post and said lower housingis nested into said upper housing and tensioned using a spring and saidupper and lower housings are secured using a screw access plug.
 19. Themethod of making a point specific junctional tourniquet according toclaim 11, further comprising the step of providing an assembledrotational variable height adjustable point specific compression devicewith a smartphone application.
 20. The method of making a point specificjunctional tourniquet according to claim 19, wherein said assembledrotational variable height adjustable point specific compression deviceprovided with a smartphone application, further includes a smartphoneapplication having a menu system including: (a) a dial 9-1-1/findbutton; (b) a tourniquet operation instructions button; and (c) atourniquet training video lotion; wherein when in an emergency situationevent a user can push the 9-1-1 button to alert authorities and push thetourniquet operation instructions button to follow a step by step set ofinstructions and guide to using the various tourniquets provided.